How many trauma patients require transfusions?5 answersApproximately 36.23% to 43.9% of trauma patients require transfusions. In a study spanning from September 2020 to December 2021, 25 out of 69 polytraumatized patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit received blood transfusions, amounting to 36.23% of the cohort. Similarly, a retrospective cohort study from January 2010 to August 2020 found that 43.9% of trauma patients needed blood transfusions after starting therapeutic anticoagulation, with transfused patients having a shorter time from injury to starting anticoagulation, higher mortality rates, and fewer ICU and hospital-free days. These findings underscore the significance of transfusion requirements in trauma care and highlight the need for effective management strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
Which are the indications for red blood cell transfusion?4 answersRed blood cell transfusion is indicated in various clinical scenarios such as anemia caused by hemorrhage, hemolysis, or ineffective erythropoiesis. Other indications include trauma with massive blood loss, major surgical operations, cancer patients requiring therapy, anemia or massive blood loss in the setting of pregnancy and childbirth, hereditary disorders like hemophilia and thalassemia, critical illness, severe burn victims, chronic anemia due to chronic blood loss or decreased erythropoiesis, and acute complications of sickle cell disease. Transfusion thresholds for red blood cells have been adjusted to lower levels, and the decision to transfuse is considered on an individual basis, taking into account symptoms or functional impairment.
What are the indications for transfusion of fresh frozen plasma?4 answersFresh frozen plasma (FFP) is indicated for various conditions including bleeding, overdose of indirect anticoagulants, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, and congenital coagulopathy. It is also used for the reversal of excess warfarin-associated anticoagulation. Guidelines recommend FFP transfusion for clinically significant bleeding due to a deficiency of one or more plasma coagulation factors. However, inappropriate and high prophylactic usage of FFP has been observed, indicating the need for better implementation of guidelines. Recombinant coagulation factors (RCFs) are an alternative to FFP, as they eliminate the risk of bloodborne infections and can be produced regardless of donor plasma reserves. Regular educational interventions, interactive sessions with clinicians, and prospective audits can help improve the appropriate use of FFP and reinforce existing transfusion guidelines.
What is the role of transfusion in sickle cell disease?5 answersTransfusion plays a crucial role in the management of acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). It is used to increase blood oxygen carrying capacity and decrease the relative amount of hemoglobin S (HbS) to hemoglobin A (HbA) in order to mitigate vaso-occlusion in small blood vessels. Transfusion can be performed through simple transfusion, partial manual red blood cell (RBC) exchange, or automated RBC exchange by apheresis, depending on the clinical indication and the desired level of HbS reduction. Complications of transfusion include alloimmunization, iron overload, and infections. To minimize these complications, RBC antigen matching, iron chelation, and prophylactic Rh and K antigen RBC matching are recommended. Transfusion is also used in specific situations such as stroke prevention, pregnancy, pre-surgery, and transfusion support for curative therapies. Individualized treatment plans and continuous evaluation of clinical indications are essential for optimizing care for patients with SCD.
What complications can result from blood transfusion in SCD?2 answersComplications that can result from blood transfusion in SCD include Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) leading to neurological complications, abnormalities of hepatic biochemical markers such as increased serum enzyme and bilirubin parameters, transfusion reactions such as allergic reactions and the development of alloantibodies, potentially fatal pulmonary disorder caused by transfusions involving leukoagglutinins, and non-infectious adverse transfusion reactions (NIATRs) which can cause significant morbidity and mortality.
Are there any other complications that are more common in patients with SCD?2 answersPatients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can experience a range of complications. Some common acute complications include cerebrovascular accidents, acute chest syndrome, acute vaso-occlusive pain crises, and priapism. Chronic complications can include cardiomyopathy, renal disease, and cholecystitis. In addition to these complications, there are other complications that are more common in patients with SCD. For example, patients with SCD are at increased risk for infections. They may also experience acute sickle hepatic crisis, acute hepatic sequestration, and acute intrahepatic cholestasis. Regular monitoring and management of these complications are important to improve outcomes for patients with SCD.